Improving Test Taking Strategies

1. Improving Test Taking Strategies

2. Test Taking Skills • Most students have NEVER been taught test taking strategies. • Studies show that as many as 20 points can be gained simply by using good test taking strategies. • Students must have a thorough knowledge of the subject matter, common sense, and good test taking skills.

3. Test Taking Skills • We recognize that tests do not always measure what you learn and that some tests are poorly created. • Test wise ness – knowing how to demonstrate your full potential and the knowledge that you have learned. • Credit: Learning to Learn: Strengthening Study Skills & Brain Power (Gloria Frender)

4. Preparation Before the Test • Study the teacher for clues as to what they consider important. • Voice • Gestures • Materials, handouts, • Time spent on concepts (repetition) • Ask the teacher for information about the format of the test, types of questions, material that will be covered, etc.

5. Preparation Before the Test • Ask questions about the material you are unclear on. • Divide the material into what you know well, what you need to review, and what is unfamiliar. • Use study aides such as flash cards, mnemonics, outlines, etc. • Make up your own test questions.

6. Preparation Before the Test • Form study groups. • Quickly review the material just before going to sleep – your subconscious will continue to “rehearse” the information. • Get a full night’s sleep before the test. • Be organized.

7. Intelligent Guessing Strategies • Guessing strategies should be used ONLY as a last resort if your recall fails or if you are totally unfamiliar with the material. • Don’t read too much into the question. • Don’t go against your first impulse unless you absolutely know it is wrong.

8. Intelligent Guessing Strategies • When you don’t know the right answer, start eliminating the wrong ones. • “All of the Above” is usually right. • Always choose an answer and then “flag it” so you can come back to it. Use extra time to recheck flagged questions. • It is usually better to guess than to leave questions unanswered.

9. Intelligent Guessing Strategies • Most general statement is usually true. • Absolute statements are usually false. • Unfamiliar words and phrases are usually false. • Humorous choices are usually false. • The most complete statements are usually true. • “All of the Above” is usually true.

10. Intelligent Guessing Strategies • If choices range in value, eliminate the two extremes. • Statements that contain reasons or qualifying answers are usually false. • The longest choice is usually true . • If two choices are opposite, choose one of them • If two choices are nearly the same, choose neither one.

11. Intelligent Guessing Strategies • A closer look at negatives . . . . • Negatives are words that change the meaning to the opposite • Sometimes it is helpful to circle the negative words and prefixes in questions and answers. Then re-read and answer.

12. Cramming • Use it as a last resort • Your recall of information is limited to 1-2 days. • The general scope and understanding of the subject is limited.

13. How to Cram if You Must • Pay attention to handouts, definitions, lists, italicized words, dates, formulas, and names. • Make study sheets, mind maps, or other graphic organizers. • Using mnemonic devices whenever possible. • Use intelligent guessing strategies.

14. Specific Test Strategies • Multiple Choice Tests • True/False Tests • Matching Tests • Fill-in-the-Blank Tests • Number Tests • Essay Tests • Open Book Tests • Take Home Tests

15. Multiple Choice Tests • Test type most often given by teachers. • Asked to recognize related information. • Read all of the choices before making a decision. • Eliminate obviously wrong answers. • Your first response is usually correct.

16. True/False Tests • This test type is the most difficult to take. • Asked to recognize specific facts and details. • There are usually more true answers than false answers because they are easier to write. • If you must guess, answer true – odds are better. • Do not analyze each question for deeper meaning. • All parts of a true/false question must be true before the answer is true.

17. Matching Tests • Asked to recognize specific facts and details. • Read both columns before starting (read the longest column first) • Choose the longest column and work down that one first. • This column has more clues and more information. • Cross off answers as you go. • Do the easiest matches first. • Match tough ones last through the process of elimination.

18. Fill-in-the-Blank Tests • Asked to provide specific facts and details. • Read the question carefully and look for clue words (especially just before the blanks) = vowel/consonant, singular/plural words • Sometimes the teacher uses sentences taken from the text. • If you can’t think of the exact word, write a synonym or definition for that word or phrase. Partial credit is better than none.

19. Number Tests • Asked to provide reasons, proof, and specific answers. • Write clearly – be sure each number is recognizable. Keep numbers in proper columns or spaces provided. • Estimate the answer first • For multiple-choice questions, work the problem before looking at the answers. • Be sure to convert measurement units properly.

20. Number Tests • Check your arithmetic – even the simplest addition and subtraction steps. • Most wrong answers are due to simple arithmetic errors. • If you get stuck, illustrate the problem by drawing a picture, diagram, or graph. • Make an educated guess when all else fails. • Eliminate unusual fractions and measurements. Eliminate the highest and lowest answers in multiple-choice questions.

21. Essay Tests • Anticipate test questions before the test. • Construct a brief outline – map out answers. • Read all of the questions before you begin writing. Circle important words concerning what and how to write the answer.

22. Essay Tests • Three main ingredients of an essay: • Knowledge of the subject • Organization of ideas • Writing skills • Always organize your essay by making an outline. • Get involved with your answer – express your emotion. • Check your work – content, organization, mechanics.

23. Essay Tests • Be concise – don’t ramble. • Be certain to answer the question. • If in doubt, let your answer be more general than specific.

24. Open Book Tests • Know your textbook. • Make a study guide in advance. • Lists of vocabulary words, graphic organizers of major concepts, concept index with page numbers from notes & text. • Anticipate test questions. • Give yourself plenty of time.

25. Take Home Tests • Read the entire test – ask any questions before you leave class. • Plan and organize your answers. • Refer to specific test strategies. • Proofread for spelling, punctuation, content, grammar, organization, and clarity. • Staple all pages together. • Be sure your name is on every page.

26. You Can Expect Success • If you learn the subject matter, have some common sense, and learn test taking skills, you can relax and expect success when taking a test!